John F Kelleher eyeing up a county council seat

John F Kelleher eyeing up a county council seat

Donoughmore farmer John F Kelleher has announced his intention to contest the next Fine Gael convention for a seat in Cork County Council’s Blarney/Macroom area.

The 37-year-old father of three, who in addition to running his small farm works as a manager for the Accenture global services company, is no stranger to politics having joined the party in 1997.

He served as vice-chair of young Fine Gael for Cork North West in 2005 and as chair of the party in the Cork North Central constituency in 2011.

Mr Kelleher said he believed he represented the new face of Irish politics in rural Ireland which he said tended to be “young, educated and hungry for change.”

“Many people feel that politicians have failed them on issues such as rural crime and broadband and feel isolated and forgotten. When your local road looks like a bombed out crater, it’s hard to think someone really cares,” aid Mr Kelleher.

“It is my purpose to be a voice for change to the status quo,” he added. Mr Kelleher said he was under no illusion about how tough it will be to secure the party nomination and is hoping that his message of ‘courage for change’ will resonate with party members and the electorate should he get the nod to contest next years local election.

“I have the business experience and the education to know how to get things done and want people to know there is someone who actually has the energy and stamina to deliver on their behalf in County Hall,” said Mr Kelleher.

“I have worked hard all of my life and intend to use the skills that I have acquired over the years to continue to help others,” he concluded.